In this study, the researcher intended to provide insights into the lives of African-American male students who are striving to become better students. The researcher also attempted to answer the following question: How can African-American males learn to be more successful not only in school but in their lives in general? The mixed-methods approach used in this study was based on data from ninety-eight African-American male high school students attending a school that utilizes an accelerated method of teaching. The study was conducted in fall 2008. Data from 98 questionnaires and eight focus group participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Several themes emerged from the focus group results.

The key findings from the students attending a school with a focus on high achievement were: (a) African-American males acknowledge that they have strong social supports from teachers, parents, and peers; (b) African-American males have positive perceptions about their own academic achievement as well as that of their peers; and (c) African-American males who have multiple barriers in their lives have a more difficult time of reaching their academic potential.